This month, the Montecito Sanitary District (MSD) began rehabilitating approximately 1.2 miles of existing sewer main pipelines that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the District’s wastewater treatment plant. 

The project, called the 2025 Sewer Main Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining Project, will ensure the long-term reliability of the District’s aging pipelines, originally installed in the 1960s. It is part of the District’s efforts to proactively rehabilitate its pipelines and sewer system to ensure continued reliability and protect public health and the environment.

Using CIPP technology, the District can renew existing pipelines without extensive excavation. This trenchless method creates a durable new pipe within the existing line, extending the system’s service life while minimizing disruption to customers and roadways.

Construction work is focused along U.S. Highway 101 to the east of the wastewater treatment plant, under Olive Mill and Danielson Roads, and South and North Jameson Lanes. Construction notices were mailed to customers within the project limits. 

The project is expected to be completed in July 2026. Construction work will take place Monday through Friday from the morning to evening hours. Temporary traffic controls will help ensure the safety of those moving through the area. Most work will take place underground, with vehicles parked near work sites. Detour signs have been posted in this area, and all efforts will be made to reduce impacts to pedestrian pathways and local roadways. 

Steam may be seen rising from vents, and a temporary glue-like odor may be noticeable. The smell is sometimes a byproduct of the advanced CIPP method used to replace the damaged or deteriorated pipes. In normal circumstances, the glue-like odor is at levels too low to cause any health or other effects. For more detailed information, please see the Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Fact Sheet or visit the National Association of Sewer Service Companies website.

For more information or questions, please contact Jon Turner, P.E., Construction Manager at (805) 518-2992. 

Project Summary: 

• Project Timeline: March - July 2026 
• Project Area: Olive Mill Road, Danielson Road, South Jameson Lane, and North Jameson Lane
• Project Budget: 
• Project Benefits: Strengthen long-term system reliability, reducing the risk of failures and spills and the need for more costly emergency repairs.

Additional Resources:

2022 Roundabouts Sewer Relocation Project